Romania and Ukraine Agree to Joint Production of Defense Systems, Including Drones

Romania and Ukraine have agreed to expand defense-industrial cooperation through the planned joint production of Ukrainian defense systems in Romania, with an initial focus on unmanned aerial systems.

The two countries signed a statement of intent in Bucharest outlining plans to enable manufacturing of Ukrainian-designed defense capabilities on Romanian territory. Officials from both sides indicated the initiative is intended to strengthen the industrial bases of both countries while improving regional security along NATO’s eastern flank. 

Romania shares a roughly 650-kilometer border with Ukraine, including areas along the Danube River where Russian strikes against Ukrainian port infrastructure have taken place. Several incidents involving drones linked to the conflict have also affected Romanian airspace, underscoring the growing need for regional air defense and counter-drone capabilities. 

Ukrainian authorities have highlighted the country’s experience developing and deploying drone and counter-drone systems during the war with Russia. According to Ukrainian officials, these technologies could contribute to improved protection for NATO member states facing similar aerial threats.

The cooperation framework signed in Bucharest aims to translate this operational experience into industrial output within the European Union. Producing Ukrainian systems in Romania would allow Kyiv’s technology to be manufactured inside a NATO member state while expanding local defense production capacity.

Romanian officials have previously signaled interest in partnering with Ukraine on drone manufacturing under the European Union’s SAFE defense funding mechanism. The program is intended to support rearmament and strengthen Europe’s defense-industrial base, including joint projects among EU member states and partner countries. 

Beyond industrial cooperation, the visit also included discussions on broader strategic cooperation between the two countries. According to officials, the talks covered energy collaboration and potential joint initiatives in the Black Sea region.

The agreement reflects a wider trend of European countries seeking closer defense-industrial partnerships with Ukraine, particularly in areas such as unmanned systems where Ukrainian companies have developed extensive battlefield experience.